Clan Vaekst

Structure

Clan Vaekst chooses its Jarl from among its members. Usually the most senior members of each household come together to vote on their future leader though usually they do not choose from amongst themselves. Instead they tend to favour a healer in their prime to guarantee a long serving jarl who can learn on the job with already resting knowledge in what they have so far done.

Culture

Vaekst society traditionally alternates between raiding and hibernation seasons. Raiding seasons include the pillaging of others for wealth and resources, inside Solstein if they cannot leave, and hibernation involves looking within to their needs and managing their affairs. During raids Vaekst are taken as healers and while they will defend themselves tend to do so mostly for self defence. The Vaekst regularly travel to other holds as healers usually arriving on the last week of each month and taking any of the most unhealthy back to Læge so they can be properly treated. For this reason the Vaekst have strong relations with the other clans and are unique in having small shrines to each of the gods in their hold for their patients to pray at.

History

The Vaekst have been healers of the valley since time began often having the affections of the other clans. Vaekst healers regularly serve as advisors to the warchiefs and while their wisdom at times of war is not always cared for their concern and awareness for the troubles of the valley are always appreciated and heeded. The Vaekst were allies of the Emerald King in his inception believing that he intended to bring peace to the valley and work towards its protection but as time progressed and they became more aware with his methods and plans to replace nobles and Jarl's with his followers they began to grow uncertain of his true intentions. It is unknown exactly when the Vaekst Jarl Eivar was replaced by a changeling but it is known that his betrothal to the king's daughter, Estrid, saw a renewal of the affections between the clans. When the Vaekst realised the truth the changeling and Estrid were banished from their hold and fled together to the safety of Calgurn. Inside Estrid conspired and joined the others in murdering the Emerald King. Since then the Vaekst have largely maintained their good manner with the other clans. They supported Skade as warchief voting for her in the election and serving as loyal allies throughout her governance.